How to transfer data from Android to the new Xiaomi Redmi 9

Buying a new smartphone is always a joyous event, but it is often overshadowed by the need to “transfer” all digital life to a new device. The owner of Redmi 9 faces the task of not just turning on the device, but making it a complete replacement for an old gadget. The process of data migration can seem intimidating to a beginner, but modern Android technologies allow you to do it quickly and without losing important information.

There are several proven synchronization methods, each with its own advantages: you can use the Mi Mover app, which is pre-installed on the system, or you can use Google cloud storage, which depends on the volume of files transferred and the speed of your Internet connection.

In this article, we will take a look at all the preparation and direct transfer steps to make your new phone ready to go in minutes, and we will focus on the nuances of password transfer, Wi-Fi settings, and call history, which are often lost when manually installed.

Preparing the old and new device for migration

Before any manipulations begin, make sure that both devices are ready to work.The old smartphone should be charged at least 60%, since the process of transferring large amounts of data can significantly consume energy. The new Xiaomi Redmi 9 should also be fully charged or connected to a power source.

Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi enabled. While some methods use a direct connection, a stable internet connection will be required to check accounts and sync some settings. Also check for free space on the new phone: it should exceed the amount of data you plan to transfer.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt data transfer or close migration applications while running, which may cause file damage or malfunction on the new device.

It is important to update all apps on your old phone in advance via Google Play.This ensures that you migrate the current versions of programs that will be compatible with the current version of the MIUI shell on your Redmi 9. If the old device is running a very ancient version of Android, some modern apps may not install automatically.

Using the Mi Mover app for quick transfer

The most effective tool for Xiaomi owners is the Mi Mover utility, which is built into the system and allows you to transfer data over a local Wi-Fi network without using Internet traffic, while transferring speeds are much faster than through Bluetooth or cloud services.

To get started, open the new Redmi 9 app Tools → Mi Mover. You need to select the device role: click "I am the recipient." On an old phone, if you have Android, also find this app in the tool folder or download it from the app store if it is missing.

After launch, the new device will appear QR-Scan it with the camera of an old phone or enter the generated password manually. The devices will create a direct wireless connection, and you will see a list of data categories to select from.

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: Instant Transmission of the Entire Phone Book and History SMS.
• 📸 Multimedia: Photos, videos and music files are transferred in original quality.
• 📲 Applications: Installation packages and, in some cases, data within applications.
• ⚙️ System settings: Wi-Fi passwords, alarm clocks and system preferences.

Select the items you want and click the "Send" button, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data you have, and at that time, your screens may go out, but don't block them completely so you don't break the connection.

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If Mi Mover can’t see an old phone, try temporarily turning off mobile internet (3G/4G) on both devices, leaving only Wi-Fi.

Synchronization through Google account

The alternative and reliable way is to use Google’s cloud service, ideal for those who want to keep their data secure and access it from any device, and when you first set up Redmi 9, the system will suggest recovering data from the cloud.

On your old phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google. Make sure the checkmarks are in front of Contacts, Calendar, Notes and other important sections. Press the sync button to send the data to the server.

When you turn on the new Redmi 9, enter the same email address. The system automatically prompts you to download the list of applications and contacts. Photos and videos are synced through the Google Photos app if the corresponding feature is enabled.

The main advantage of this method is independence from having an old phone on hand after setting up, you can always reset the settings of the new device and restore data again just by logging in to your account.

Hand-over of multimedia files

Sometimes automatic systems fail or miss some folders, especially if you've used third-party launchers or editors, and in such cases, the old-fashioned method of copying through a computer or OTG wire helps.

Connect your old phone to your computer in File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy the DCIM (camera photos and videos), Download (downloads) and Music folders to your PC hard drive. Then connect the new Xiaomi Redmi 9 and transfer the files to the appropriate directories.

The good thing about this is that you can do a file audit without carrying the digital debris that's been accumulated over the years, and you can sort photos by date, or delete non-cloud videos before you record them to a new device.

If you don’t have a computer, you can use it. USB-flash drive with Type-C adapter. Modern file managers, for example, Explorer in MIUI, Allows you to copy data directly between connected drives.

⚠️ Note: When you manually copy through a computer, the folder structure may change. Don't move system files from the root directories of Android, only copy user content.

Features of transferring messages and calls

The most sensitive part of the move is the history of SMS correspondence and call logs, and standard Android tools don’t always transfer this data readily, especially between different versions of the operating system.

The Mi Mover app does this best because it has special permissions on the system, but if you’re switching from a different brand phone, you may need to install an additional plugin or update the app on your old device.

For users of WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram messengers, the situation is different: these apps store their correspondence history in their cloud or locally. For WhatsApp, make sure to back up the chats in Google Drive on your old phone before transferring.

After installing the messengers on the new Redmi 9, log in to the same phone number. The app will prompt you to restore the history from the backup. Make sure you use the same Google Drive account where the copy was made.

Solutions and adjustments after transfer

After the migration is complete, take your time to delete data from your old phone. During the first days of active use of the new Redmi 9, minor shortcomings may surface: the absence of icons for some applications or downed notification settings.

Check banking applications. Because of a device change or an Android security update, banks may require re-authorization or device binding, have card numbers and access to an online bank on hand.

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Give the system a couple of days to learn how to use applications to properly work energy saving.
• 🔒 Security: Check your biometrics settings (fingerprint, face unlock) and set a new pin.
• 📡 Network: Make sure mobile data and calls are working properly SIM-map.

If you notice that some apps are not working properly, try removing them and installing them again from the GetApps store or Google Play. This will help you update your configuration files to the new MediaTek Helio G80 processor hardware installed in Redmi 9.

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The full data transfer cycle takes an average of 40-60 minutes, but requires care during the check of messenger backups.